In the U.S., tens of thousands die each year from drug overdoses, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl causing over 56,000 deaths. Alcohol-related causes lead to around 95,000 deaths annually.1 If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, seeking inpatient or outpatient treatment is crucial. It’s a tough choice, but both types of treatment offer unique benefits. Take care and know there’s help available. If you require an outpatient addiction treatment program, contact Recovery Centers of America today at 1-800-RECOVERY.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab Success Rates
Some studies suggest that inpatient and intensive outpatient (IOP) treatments offer similar benefits. However, it’s essential to understand that these studies didn’t include patients requiring inpatient care. This means that if someone requires inpatient treatment, they can’t be part of a study comparing outpatient treatment.
Some studies found that among patients suitable for outpatient treatment, those with more severe issues did better with inpatient care.
Intensive outpatient treatment lasts longer. However, inpatient care is more intensive and offers more services in less time. Inpatient provides an added layer of oversight, while outpatient lets patients practice new behaviors in real life. After inpatient treatment, it is recommended to step down to outpatient treatment to properly make the transition back into a newly sober environment.
When someone needs help with alcohol or drugs, staying in treatment longer increases the chance of recovery. Sticking with treatment for as long as you can is key to staying sober.
Inpatient Rehab Treatment and Detox
For many people working toward recovery, detox is the first type of treatment they encounter. During detox, patients have medical and emotional support to help them during the withdrawal period. It’s easy to think that once the withdrawal symptoms have faded, treatment is over—however, lasting recovery requires more than detox alone.
If you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol and have not been able to quit on your own, inpatient treatment may be the best decision for you. During inpatient treatment at Recovery Centers of America, patients who are dependent on drugs or alcohol typically start with a medically supervised detoxification process to help rid the body of drugs and alcohol safely and comfortably.
After detox, continued inpatient treatment at RCA provides patients with a immersive and comprehensive evidence-based treatment experience utilizing one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and family coaching along with educational, recovery, 12-step activities, and community sessions.
Patients may also receive psychiatric, nutritional, and spiritual services. These sessions are administered by a highly qualified team, including masters-level clinicians, social workers, case managers, and medical professionals like nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors.
Living in an inpatient treatment facility also provides patients with a much-needed break from the distractions and stressors of the outside world—a place where they can truly focus on their treatment and recovery with 24/7 round-the-clock support, with the length of stay determined by personalized treatment plans.
Outpatient Rehab Treatment
We encourage all patients from our inpatient centers to continue or “step down” to outpatient treatment. Patients can participate in various levels of outpatient treatment. The most intensive level is called partial hospitalization program (PHP) or day treatment and often meets for five days a week for five hours each day. PHP programs help patients to get used to being outside of a 24-hour inpatient program and get used to living in recovery. An intensive outpatient program typically meets three days a week for three hours.
Outpatient treatment programs include one-on-one therapy, group therapy, educational sessions, experiential sessions, and family coaching. For lasting recovery, it’s recommended that patients join an ongoing support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery.
RCA Can Help You Choose Between Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab
Deciding between inpatient and outpatient rehab can be overwhelming. Both treatment types have advantages, but ultimately, it depends on the individual’s needs and circumstances.
Inpatient treatment offers 24/7 care and a structured environment, which can be beneficial for those with severe addictions or co-occurring disorders. It also removes patients from their everyday lives, giving them a chance to focus solely on their recovery.
However, outpatient treatment allows patients to continue with their daily routines while receiving treatment. This can be helpful for those who have responsibilities at home or work that they cannot leave for an extended period of time.
Additionally, outpatient treatment offers flexibility in terms of scheduling and gives individuals more independence and control over their recovery process. However, it’s important to have a strong support system in place and be committed to attending all therapy sessions and appointments.
Ultimately, the most critical factor in choosing between inpatient vs. outpatient rehab is finding a treatment program that meets the individual’s needs and provides the necessary support for lasting recovery.
The Importance of Seeking Treatment
Regardless of which type of treatment you choose, the most crucial step is seeking help in the first place. It takes courage to admit that you need assistance and take the necessary steps towards recovery.
Benefits of seeking treatment include:
- Learning coping skills and tools to manage triggers and stressors
- Building a supportive network of peers and professionals
- Addressing underlying issues that may contribute to addiction
- Improving overall physical and mental health
- Gaining a better understanding of addiction and how to prevent relapse
Remember, recovery is a lifelong journey; seeking treatment is just the first step. Choosing between inpatient and outpatient rehab is a personal decision, but what matters most is getting the help you need to live a healthy, fulfilling life free from addiction.
Contact Recovery Centers of America for Addiction Treatment
Recovery Centers of America offers a comprehensive variety of specialized services for addiction treatment as well as mental health and co-occurring disorders, intensive 12-step programming that allows patients and their families to heal together. Are you ready to make the change? We’re standing by, waiting to help. Call us at 1-800-RECOVERY to get started on or continue your journey in recovery today.
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